Haloti Ngata to Lions: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

Haloti Ngata is on his way to the Detroit Lions to fill the hole at defensive tackle left by the departure of Ndamukong Suh.

The Baltimore Ravens officially announced the news via their Twitter account Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Lions introduced him to the media:

Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the Lions will receive Ngata and a seventh-round draft choice for fourth- and fifth-round picks.

Ngata took to Twitter on Thursday to say goodbye to Ravens fans: 

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald weighed in on how the move impacts the Lions:

Ngata spoke to reporters Wednesday:

The 31-year-old Ngata is a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time first-team All-Pro, so his presence will certainly help fill any void left behind by Suh.

Ngata has spent his entire career as a member of the Ravens. He has 25.5 sacks, five interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in his nine seasons, but his impact extends beyond the box score.

Ngata is the type of defensive tackle who often requires multiple offensive linemen to prevent him from getting too much penetration into the backfield. That opens up the defensive ends and linebackers to make plays and get after the quarterback and running backs.

Lions fans are certainly familiar with defensive tackles who change the game like that without necessarily racking up monster sack numbers from the days of Suh and Nick Fairley combining forces.    

Detroit was first in the NFL against the run in 2014 largely because Suh was able to stuff the middle and open things up for his teammates (when he wasn't the one making the play). Ngata may not be quite the player Suh is, especially since the former Raven is now in his 30s, but he will help keep Detroit near the top of the league against the run if his resume is any indication.